Deep Breathing Reduces Pain

Wednesday, December 20th 

Mind Body Spokesperson Shirley Archer reports in IDEA Ftiness Journal about the benefits of deep breathing following coronary bypass surgery.  Something as simple as deep breathing proved to be very effective in a study published in Heart & Lung.  This small pain management study evaluated using deep breathing relaxation exercises  together with pain-reducing drugs compared with drugs alone. 

The study took place in the midwest for forty patients at three acute care facilities.  Subjects in the deep breathing group were taught how to take deep breaths in through the nose and to exhale deeply through pursed lips.  Participants were encouraged to close their eyes or simply focus on an object in their room.  The breathing technique was practiced for 5 minutes prior to healthcare workers reomoving chest tube dressing and stitches.  After the tubes were removed, patients were encouraged to do deep breathing for as long as they liked.  The control group was not coached on breathing techniques prior to or after removal of chest tubes.  Researchers measured pain and different stages.  Although both groups reported significant pain both before and during the procedure, those in the breathing group reported much lower pain during the 15 minutes after the procedure compared to the drug only group.   

Despite the small study size, it is still important to note the benefits of breathing.  It is inexpensive, easy to teach and provides great benefits.  Regardless of needing coronary bypass surgery, everyone should learn how to breath properly and practice deep breathing often.